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IN MEMORY OF JOHN ARUM... |
We were devastated to learn of the death of our partner, John
Arum, in a tragic accident while climbing in the North Cascades.
John was a brilliant lawyer who was extraordinarily devoted to
his clients and the public interest. He was one of Washington's
premier environmental lawyers, achieving major successes in litigation
to protect and preserve natural resources, often working pro bono.
He was also a phenomenal Indian tribal attorney, developing close
personal relationships during epic struggles on behalf of tribal
clients. John had the great respect and affection of his partners,
associates, and staff as well as counsel who worked with him. His
clients deeply valued his advice and friendship.
John was also an avid outdoorsman. We take some comfort knowing
he died doing what he loved. We send our deepest sympathies to
his wife Susan, his parents and siblings, the rest of his family,
and his many friends and colleagues.
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Seattle Times Obituary
Vashon Beachcomber Paper Article
Washington Environmental Council - Remembering John Arum |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 4, 2010
Statement by Peter Goldmark on John Arum
OLYMPIA – As Commissioner of Public lands, I would like
to share my sincere condolences with the family and friends of
John Arum, who perished in a tragic mountaineering accident this
past week.
John was a passionate advocate for environmental protection and
sound environmental policy. While, on occasion, John and the
Department of Natural Resources were at odds, we all agreed that
the beauty of Washington’s wild places was worth protecting.
In addition to being our friend, John was an outstanding legal
advocate who provided a great public service in representing his
conservation group and tribal clients. All of the citizens of Washington
have benefitted from his excellent work on behalf of natural resources,
and we will remember him for his deep love for the camping in the
woods, climbing our highest mountains, and fighting for Puget Sound.
Again, the entire Department of Natural Resources and I extend
our condolences and best wishes to John’s family. We have
lost a friend who never stopped advocating for the public interest.
Media Contact: Edie Gilliss, Senior Advisor, 360-902-1725, edie.gilliss@dnr.wa.gov
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| September 4, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NESPELEM, WA—The Chairman of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville
Reservation today expressed the Tribes’ gratitude for the good work which
Seattle attorney John Arum had done on its behalf, and condolences to his family
for their loss.
“Words cannot express how invaluable John was to our Tribe as an expert
natural resources attorney and litigator,” Chairman Michael O. Finley
said today.
“John was vigilant about protecting our tribal sovereignty, our resources,
and our people. He was a genuine and compassionate person and a truly unique
spirit. Our hearts and prayers go out to his family.”
Arum, 49, died in a climbing accident in the North Cascades. His body was
sighted by a helicopter search and rescue team Friday after he had been missing
for several days. Arum had worked on a wide range of natural resources and
other issues for the Colville Tribes over the past several years and was
well known to Tribal Council and staff.
As of late Friday, Arum’s body had not been recovered from a snowfield
high on Storm King Mountain, where it was spotted by the helicopter crew. Arum,
an experienced mountaineer, had set a goal for himself of reaching the summit
of the 100 highest peaks in Washington. He had climbed more than 80 of them
when he set out for Storm King Mountain last week.
“John was an incredibly competent and yet humble person who put the
Colville Tribes’ interests above all else,” Finley said. “We
are grateful for the honor of knowing him and the privilege of working with
him. He will be sorely missed.”
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| Dear Associated Press,
Here is a statement regarding the untimely death of John Arum:
The Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission is deeply
saddened by the passing of John Arum in a mountain climbing accident
last week. Mr. Arum and his partner Marc Slonim at their Seattle
law firm represented one of the Commission’s member tribes,
the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, in efforts to reaffirm their treaty
reserved rights to hunt, fish and gather in portions of eastern
Minnesota.
“We will remember John for his tremendous commitment and
work to help secure our member tribes’ treaty rights, as
well as those of many other tribes throughout the country,” said
James Zorn, the Commission’s Executive Administrator. “He
was a man of the highest integrity and intellect. He was very much
respected. We are grateful for how John touched us personally and
professionally He will be sorely missed."
For additional information contact James Zorn at 715.209.1608.
Information about the Great Lakes Indian Fish & Wildlife Commission
can be found at www.glifwc.org.
James E. Zorn
Executive Administrator
Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission
72682 Maple St.
Odanah, WI 54861
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The Makah Indian Tribe wishes to
express its great sadness at the death of our friend and counsel,
John Arum. John cared deeply about his work for the environment and
Indian tribes and about the people he worked with. For John, it was
never just a job. His death is not only a loss to his family and
those who had the privilege to know him, but to the larger
public that benefited from his tireless advocacy on behalf of endangeredspecies
and healthy ecosystems. We are especially saddened that John will
not be with us to celebrate when the Makah Tribe is once again able
to resume its whaling tradition, and today mourn the passing of a
beloved member of the Makah family.
Makah Tribal Council
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Dear AP in Seattle:
It is with the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe's (in Minnesota) deepest
sympathies to hear about the passing of John Arum. Please feel
free to use the following quotes from the Mille Lacs Band's Chief
Executive Marge Anderson and Secretary/Treasurer Curt Kalk regarding
John's efforts on behalf of the tribe. If you have any questions
or need more information, please let me know.
Thank you,
Jennifer Hellman
On the death of attorney John Arum, Chief Executive Marge Anderson
of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe said: “John Arum played
a big role in our treaty rights victory in the U.S. Supreme Court
in 1999 and in other cases afterward. In the 21st century our
warriors carry brief cases. John fought for us with wisdom and
integrity. We will miss him.”
Secretary-Treasurer Curt Kalk of the Mille Lacs Band added: “John
Arum was an outstanding lawyer for the Mille Lacs Band and other
tribes across the nation. Friends like John changed the history
of the Mille Lacs Band forever. It’s sad that we didn’t
get chance to thank him more. “
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